A unique collection of wildlife in a one-of-a-kind ecosystem

With more than 607,028 hectares of wild and scenic landscape inhabited by a bevy of plant and animal species, plan ahead to get the most out of a visit to the subtropical wilderness of Everglades National Park, which is a World Heritage Site. Learn about the park’s history and different ecosystems at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center Gallery. From the top of the 20-meter observation town in Shark Valley, gaze at points near and far, then decide how to best experience the park. Self-explorers can rent a bicycle or canoe. Others might want to join a tram or boat tour narrated by a naturalist.

Just over 80 kilometers southwest of Miami, Florida, Everglades National Park features one of the most diverse ecosystems in the USA. The park protects an unparalleled landscape of swamps, marshes, tall grass prairies and mangroves that are home to rare and endangered species such as manatee, alligator and the elusive Florida panther.

One of the best ways to see and experience this unique ecosystem is to hop on an airboat and tour the many rivers, streams and small islands. These boats are designed to quickly transport you across the wetlands without disturbing the plants and animals living there. Speeding through the swamplands is as educational as it is thrilling, with knowledgeable guides pointing out what makes the Everglades special. You can also tour the many boardwalk trails, wade through the waters, bike along the Snake Bight and Long Pine Key Nature trails and canoe or kayak along the 159-kilometer Wilderness Waterway Trail.